Lichen evolution

Claudio Armetrano, Ph.D

 Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste

The integration of genome-scale data into phylogenetics is transforming our ability to resolve complex evolutionary relationships. While early phylogenetic studies were constrained by limited data, modern phylogenomics can rely on large genomic datasets, albeit with challenges such as increased computational demands and gene-tree incongruence. Two case studies will highlight how genomic data can be used to address systematics and evolutionary relevant questions in Fungi: the first explored the development of a universal probe set for phylogenetics and multi-locus barcoding in filamentous ascomycetes, while the second investigated the "Red Queen/King" hypothesis using lichenized fungi, showcasing the power of a genomic approach.